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10 Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs [Breed Photos]

If you have allergies, you may think that you cannot have a guard dog for your home. However, that may not be the case. Plenty of hypoallergenic dogs are easy on allergy sufferers and can help keep your home safe. 

One note on hypoallergenic dogs before we get started. No dog is going to be completely hypoallergenic. However, depending on the dog’s hair type and dander shed, some of them are more friendly to those with allergies. 

hypoallergenic guard dogs
10 Hypoallergenic Guard Dogs [Breed Photos]

Keep reading for the top 10 best hypoallergenic guard dogs. 

1. Komondor

Komondor are large dogs that can weigh over 100 pounds. They have shaggy white fur, floppy ears, and gentle face. 

These dogs come from Hungary with a history of being some of the best guard dogs that you can get. They are very loyal to their owners and are very intelligent. They are easy to train and very cooperative. 

The only thing you may need to watch for is their aggression. These dogs need to be well trained in order to control their aggression towards strangers and invaders. 

komonor dog with a mop coat
World-famous for their unique coat appearance – the Komondor

2. Puli

Puli is a protective little bundle in a small package. They have a dark coat of black or brown with a mop-like texture. They don’t shed, making them great for owners with allergies.

Like the Komondor, they also come from Hungary. 

These dogs only weigh about 30 lbs, and they can live anywhere from 10 to 15 years on average. 

The mop-like texture of their fur will appear to be curly when they are a puppy but will turn into cords as they get older. They are playful dogs yet can be very protective. They are intelligent and will detect a stranger or intruder quickly

Puli mop dog
Intriguing coat of the Puli dog breed

3. Standard Schnauzer

Schnauzers are medium-sized dogs with sturdily built bodies. They have short fur, usually in shades of gray, black, or silver with a small amount of white. Their head has floppy ears and a bearded face that is unmistakable. 

Despite their small size, they can weigh up to 50 lbs. They can also live up to 16 years. 

These dogs are brilliant and cooperative in training. They have a sharp bark that is perfect for raising the alarm at any intruder who alerts them. Aside from being great guard dogs, they are also immensely loyal and make excellent companions. 

Standard Schnauzer on the grass
Standard Schnauzer running on the grass.

4. Irish Terrier

Irish Terriers have a slight, dense build with long legs that make them not only strong but fast. They have wiry fur that is usually reddish in color that takes minimal grooming. By nature, they are protective, intelligent, playful, and curious.

They are nicknamed “Daredevil” thanks to their rebellious nature. 

These dogs usually weigh about 27 lbs and expect to live to the age of 15. They are loyal and playful to their owners and are great with children. Despite their seemingly gentle nature, they will attack an intruder if they feel their owners are threatened. 

Irish Terrier side view
Irish Terrier side view in the studio.

5. Airedale Terrier

The Airedale Terrier is also terrific for allergy sufferers, thanks to its short, wiry coat that doesn’t shed. They can come in shades of black, brown, and red, with an elongated square face. 

Airedale Terriers are the tallest of the terrier breeds and are usually about 50 to 70 lbs. They can live to be 14. 

These terriers are great for families with children. They make excellent alerting dogs and will stand guard over their owners in the case of an intruder. They are brilliant dogs, though training will be needed to keep them from barking and everything and everyone. 

An Airedale Terrier
An Airedale Terrier with a top grade two color coat.

6. Portuguese Water Dog

Do you live near water? This may be the dog for you. Hence the name, the Portuguese Water dog is an excellent swimmer but also a great guard dog.

They have short, coarse black fur can weigh up to 60 lbs, and can live up to 13 years. 

They are another breed that is great for families, particularly active families. These water dogs are adventurous and athletic, meaning they would be a great companion for fishing or camping. 

Portuguese water dog in training
A Portuguese Water Dog in training

7. Bouvier Des Flandres

The Bouvier Des Flanders were initially bred to help farmers. Some tasks they were bred to include herding and protecting the livestock. 

Off the farm, they make excellent guard dogs. They have a hardy yet compact body that can weigh up to 110 lbs, and they can live to be up to 12 years old. 

They are very protective of their owners, yet they are generally calm and affectionate during the day today. They are known for being strong will and courageous, meaning they would have no problem going after an intruder. 

Just a note on herding dogs in general. If you have small children or even smaller pets, herding dogs will follow their instincts to herd them all together in a room. 

Bouvier Des Flandres standing on the grass
Bouvier Des Flandres standing on the grass at the park.

8. Briard

Briards have a history in the French army as guard dogs. They are handsome canines with stout bodies and shaggy white or black fur. While their coat is beautiful and allergy-friendly, it does take daily brushing to keep it from getting matted. 

Briards can weigh up to 100 lbs and can expect to live for 12 years. They are brilliant and faithful dogs and make for outstanding protection

Briards in the forest
Briards sitting in the forest.

9. Poodle

Poodles are among the most popular breed of companion dogs in the world. You will be hard-pressed to find a place that doesn’t have either a Poodle or Poodle mix of some sort. 

Poodles are known for their curly fur that comes in a variety of colors. They can be low-maintenance dogs and great hunting dogs for waterfowl. 

When it comes to guardian dogs, Poodles are very intelligent. They are able to detect a genuine threat and will immediately alert their owner by barking and going to guard them. 

Toy Poodle at café
Toy Poodle at a café sitting beside his owner.

10. Cairn Terrier

Last and perhaps smallest on our list is the Cairn Terrier. These pint-sized guard dogs come in at just 14 lbs and can expect to live about 15 years. They have short fur that comes in a wide variety of colors. 

Bred in the Scottish highlands, the Cairn Terriers were initially bred as watchdogs. This guardian mentality has remained with the breed through the ages as they will alert their owner at the moment of an intrusion

Cairn Terrier running
Happy Cairn Terrier runs in the garden.

Conclusion

There are countless breeds to choose from for hypoallergenic guard dogs but these breeds are some of our favorites. From the popular Poodle to the strong Irish Terrier, your next guard dog is just waiting for you to pick them.